HORSEBACK RIDING

Great riding and good ranch horses are the reasons most guests come to Bonanza Creek. There’s no head-to-tail riding here; we let you ride to your ability, and we do lots of it!

Every day is a new adventure on horseback – climb the high ridge, meander through the woods along gurgling Bonanza Creek, canter across open country, ride to an old homestead that the modern world still hasn’t reached. Soak up all the beauty and tradition of Montana from the best seat in the world – on horseback!

We have lots of good ranch horses, and we’ll match you to the right horse for your riding ability. You’ll have a partner you might fall in love with.  

With country as big as this, there is an endless variety of rides we can take you on.  The rides chosen for each day will vary with the weather, time of year, and preferences and abilities of the guests. 

We recommend 4 – 5 days to fully experience the ranch and countryside on a horse.  

This country has a wide variety of terrain – large open pastures, rocky and sage brushed filled hillsides, open country, steep climbs and descents, creek bottoms, hills and mountains – you’ll get to see it all.  The altitude of the rides will vary from 5200 feet to 8300 feet above sea level.  

All riders must be able to safely and confidently ride at a canter/lope outside an arena in open country.  For those that are able, we are happy to pick it up a notch for a good gallop or two across the wide-open spaces.

All riders must be physically able to mount their horses.  While we have a mounting block at the stable, on the trail, stumps, rocks and high ground are your only assistance. 

The weight limit for riding is 225 – 250# depending on your height, physical condition and riding ability.  Pregnant women cannot ride.  It is important for your enjoyment that you are physically fit.

To join us for riding, book one of our CABINS, wake up to beautiful scenery, enjoy a good breakfast and walk to your horse. no trailers, no hassle, just go!

Dates for riding:

  • May 24 – June 6 – (riding and meals not available)
  • June 7 – 21
  • June 28 – July 7
  • July 13 – 26
  • August 14 – 23
  • August 29 – Sept 2
  • Sept 7 – 20
  • Sept 21 – Dec 1 (riding and meals not available)

 

“The essential joy of being with horses is that it brings us in contact with the rare elements of grace, beauty, spirit and fire.    Sharon Ralls Lemon

RIDING ABILITY

Bonanza Creek is a true horse riding ranch, and we’re a great fit for guests with riding experience. We spend 2 – 4 hours a day in the saddle and ride a wide variety of breathtaking terrain including steep climbs and descents. (You’ll get a good sense of the variety of our beautiful country from the many photos on this website.) It’s important for your enjoyment, and the enjoyment of the other guests, that you’re physically fit and have riding experience and saddle time before you arrive. We unfortunately cannot accommodate novice riders.

We ask that ALL riders be comfortable in the saddle and able to control a horse and ride at a canter in open country. For those capable, we will pick it up a notch with a good gallop or two over wide open spaces. We will match you to the right horse for your ability whether it be intermediate or advanced. How adventurous are you?

All riders must be physically able to mount their horse unassisted. While we have a mounting block available at the stable, on the trail, stumps, rocks and high ground will provide the only mounting assistance.

The weight limit for riding is 225 – 250 lbs, depending upon height and physical condition.  Pregnant women cannot ride.

Riding in this big country with other good riders who love to ride is an incredible experience. Come and enjoy the freedom of riding in open, unspoiled country where for generations ranchers have tended to the land, sheep, cattle and horses. You’ll ride not only on the beautiful Voldseth ranch, but also on the vastness of the Helena Lewis and Clark National Forest. The views and the experience will stay with you forever.

RIDES

With country as big as this, there is an endless variety of rides we can take our guests on. The rides chosen for each day will vary based on the weather, time of year, time available, and preferences and abilities of the guests. The altitude of the rides will vary from 5200 feet to as high as 8300 feet above sea level. This country has a wide variety of terrain – large pastures, woods and streams, rocky and aromatic sage brush-filled hillsides, gentle and not so gentle, climbs and descents, open country.

We offer a 4 hour ride where you enjoy your day on horseback, take your lunch, relax and eat under the shade of a tree.  We also offer a 2 hour ride if you want to spend time on other adventures or prefer 2 rides a day. If you aren’t in riding shape, please consider the 2 hour ride.

2 hours of riding – $125 a person 

4 hours of riding – $200 a person   

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